The AmericanIdol alum will release his first book, Hope in Front of Me: Find Purpose in Your Darkest Moments. Gokey collaborated with Ben Stroup on the book, to be published by NavPress. The autobiography will be available on Oct. 1, both in print and digital formats.

According to the press release, the book will chronicle the singer’s Idol experience before and after his participation on the Fox show in 2009. Gokey famously competed on the singing competition four weeks after the heartbreaking death of his wife, Sophia. The book will include personal stories and illustrations, and will challenge readers “to find purpose in their darkest moments and leave a legacy for others by investing in things that really matter.”

“It has been a gratifying process to be able to share the parts of my story that many people may not know. My hope is that people can find a part of their story in mine and that it will inspire hope in others,” Gokey said. “There are new beginnings. You can recover after devastating loss. Your past does not have to define you or your future. And the greatest part of my story is that helping others brings healing to you and those you help. NavPress really caught the vision for what I am trying to accomplish and I’m delighted to be working with such a supportive, creative team on this project.”

In addition to the book, Gokey has new music on the way, as he is in the final stages of recording an upcoming CD due for release in early 2014. The 33-year old Milwaukee, Wis. native is currently in the studio with producers KeithThomas and BernieHerms, and already has a lead single which will be available in October.